Culture Week opens today the of Iranian city of Tabriz in Kazan

On the eve of the arrival of the Iranian delegation to Tatarstan for the Week of Culture of Tabriz in Kazan head of the delegation, Dr. S.Nadzhafi answered a few questions.

Dear Mr. S.Nadzhafi!

Kazan welcomes  your visit to the capital of Tatarstan, which is a sister city of the ancient, rich in history, the Iranian city of Tabriz. Last year, representatives of the Ministry of Culture of Tatarstan   visited   the city  headed by you in the framework of the Week of the glorious history of Tabriz,  and were very impressed with the vigorous activity of the mayor's office in many different directions.

What are the features of the fate of Tabriz against the general history of Iran, its other cities? What is today's portrait of the city?

Tabriz, a history spanning more than 4 thousand years, since ancient times is one of the largest and most important cities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This city five times was the political capital of the country during the reign of dynasties such as harezm shahs, Ilkhanid, Timurid, Safavid and Qajar. During the reign of the Safavid dynasty, it was considered the fifth city in the world.

Tabriz was located on the route of the Silk Road, it has always been a bridge between Iran and Europe. For this reason, the first hospitals, schools, cinema, typography appeared in our city. Therefore Tabriz in Iran known as "the city of the first."

From a political point of view, Tabriz has always played a leading role in the processes of historical transformation, which was manifested during the Islamic Revolution in Iran during the imposed war. In fact, it is only a small example of the glorious history of Tabriz.

Today our city, based on historical and cultural values, its  future path of development sees  is in  the socio-economic sphere and improvement. In recent years, Tabriz according to the UN called the "City of a comfortable life."

What objects Tabriz could attract the attention of visitors to your city?

For   attractive presentation, interesting from the point of view of the tourist places of Tabriz, is required, as they say, a separate time and place.

But you have to briefly report that the well-known historical buildings under the jurisdiction of the City Hall - Maqbaratoshoara, Blue Mosque, Museum of Azerbaijan, the citadel Ali Shah, Boulevard IL-geli, ancient houses and buildings - are considered the most important tourist centers of Tabriz.

What kind of art, traditional crafts  are  especially famous in  Tabriz?

Tabriz - one of the poles of culture and art of Iran. Handwriting "nasta'liq" as a bride among Islamic literature. Creator of the handwriting is calligrapher Mir Ali Tabrizi, who lived in our city in the 9th century.

Undoubtedly, Tabriz carpet is the most expensive and elegant hand-made carpets of the world.

From other directions, which are widespread in arts and crafts in our city, I can name ceramics, embossing, shoes, wood carving, gilding, engraving, painting on ceramics, silver jewelry manufacturer and, of course, painting.

We know that Tabriz is home to deeply respected us Consul General of Iran in Kazan Mr. R.Shayan. And what are  still large, significant persons famous   in Tabriz?

Professional, diplomatic experience and scientific knowledge   of Rasul Shayan Bagernezhada shows  that he is an experienced diplomat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of our country. He has come a long way advisers, experts on political issues, and also worked in the field of economics. He actively promoted through the ranks. And we are very pleased that, thanks to its continuous efforts in the area of cooperation, we can be here today, in your city.

If we talk about the prominent figures of Tabriz, it must be said that, along with advances in science and industry, our city was widely known, in terms of culture. He has trained such well-known, not only in Iran, such as Shams Tabrizi, Saeb Tabrizi, Parvin Etesami and great Shahriyar, which, admittedly, is the most prominent Iranian poet of the 20th century.

What, above all, you would like to introduce residents and visitors Kazan in the Culture Week Tabriz?

First of all, to the tourist attractions of our region.  Attention of Kazan will be focused on  arts and crafts that had  been mentioned by me above. They bear  all possessing artistic taste.

It is impossible to say and sweets Tabriz - which is our kurabie, once you try that, you will never forget its taste.

How do you see the development of cultural cooperation between Tabriz and Kazan, that they were systemic in nature?

Holding "Culture Week Tabriz in Kazan" provides an excellent opportunity to the parties once again to demonstrate a common past. Thus, the field of formal cooperation between the two cities will become a more vivid color.

Not so long ago Dear Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan Guzel Nigmatullina was in our city during the week we have the glorious history of Tabriz. And now we are in your city.

We hope that this process will continue. Make efforts to ensure that the numerous agreements have become a guarantee of the implementation of the sincerity and brotherhood.

Do you think that there are real prospects for economic cooperation between Tabriz and Kazan, as well as a whole - between Iran and Tatarstan? How important do you see in this role mayors Iran and Tatarstan, municipal governments?

Kazan - a city that his research and interest in Oriental studies played an important role in establishing ties between Iran, Russia and Tatarstan. A Tabriz, as I said above, is the link between Iran, Europe and the West.

Today it is proved that the best way of diplomatic ties is a reliance on cultural potential and the arts. However, the fulcrum is little used in the official diplomacy.

Here also can play a role for the city diplomacy not only cultural contacts, but also the implementation of investment projects, trade exchange, tourism activities.

In conclusion, I consider it necessary to express my gratitude to the esteemed Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan City Hall reputable, respected Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kazan, as well as my dear residents of Kazan for their hospitality and warm welcome.

I hope that this process will continue and we will see hospitable Kazan in Tabriz.

Raisa Saf \ Raisa Saf

photo by the author